New York Governor Hochul Signs Seven New Laws to Support Veterans and Their Families

Seven new laws signed Friday by New York Governor Kathy Hochul aim to provide resources and support to veterans and their families.

One of them will allow veteran residents and members of a Gold Star family to have free access to state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities in the state starting April 1, 2024.

“The unwavering commitment of our veterans is a testament to their enduring love for country. By providing free access to our state parks and recreation areas, we honor not only their service but also their right to cherish precious moments with their loved ones amid the same landscapes they bravely defended. I thank Governor Hochul for signing our legislation that extends this privilege to more than half a million veterans and Gold Star families,” said State Senator James Skoufis.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the veterans who risked their lives to serve our country,” said Governor Hochul. “This legislation will provide resources and support to New York’s veterans, honoring their service and recognizing their heroism.”

Here are the other laws signed by the Democrat:

S.7461/A.3381A clarifies the definition of veteran to include career members of the armed forces for tax-exempt purposes. This bill updates the law to reflect current military practices and create an incentive to keep career members of the military here in New York.

S.1671A/A.6140A Requires the small business revolving loan fund within the Empire State Development Corporation of New York to market veteran-owned businesses and businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.

S.2372/A.1084 Requires that the number of applicants applying as a veteran, or surviving spouse of a veteran, be available on the Mitchell-Lama application waiting list so that those applying have a clear indication of whether there are other veterans applying for the same home.

S.454A/A.3116A Directs counties and the City of New York to contact a veterans organization to collect the unclaimed remains of a deceased veteran if they do not have any next of kin or other person designated to handle their disposal. This legislation ensures that everyone who serves our county receives a proper burial.

S.7378/A.7379 eliminates the “wartime service” requirement that prohibits large numbers of interested veterans from seeking employment in certain public service roles, expanding the pool of applications.

S.291/A.1347 establishes VIP NY, a veteran internship program that will award ten percent of available internships in the Assembly Youth Engagement program and the Senate Student Program to eligible honorably discharged veterans.

This package of legislation builds on Governor Hochul’s efforts to expand veteran services and support resources and to further recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served. Earlier this week, the governor honored veterans with the sixth and final Free Fishing Day of 2023. Last week, Governor Hochul announced the completion of Northside Village in Schenectady, a public housing revitalization that includes 61 units with support services for veterans and individuals with physical disabilities.

New York State veterans can find more support through the Department of Veterans Services of New York State, which has served as the state’s advocacy agency for veterans, service members and military families since 1945.

2023-11-10 22:07:17
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